IPC Classification in areas with limited or no humanitarian access - special additional protocols

IPC analysis is also needed in situations where limited access prevents humanitarian organizations from collecting suitable evidence. For classification of areas with limited or no humanitarian access, where IPC standard data requirements cannot be met, classification can still be completed given that the additional specific protocols are followed for each Function.

Function 1: Build Technical Consensus

  • When analyses are conducted in areas with limited or no humanitarian access, it is imperative that the analysis team also include people who have an in-depth understanding of the context. As much as possible, key analysts should participate in data collection exercises and bring their expert assessment into the analysis.
  • If Famine is being assessed, the analysis team should, in addition to food security experts, also include nutritionists, analysts with advanced knowledge of analysis of mortality data and, optimally, communication experts. Given the high profile of the classification, it is strongly advised that regional or global experts be invited to support the analysis.

Function 2: Classify Severity and Identify Key Drivers

  • R0 evidence can be used to support the IPC analysis, provided they follow parameters stipulated in Box 41. 
  • A combination of sources of evidence should be used to the extent possible (e.g. use of rapid helicopter missions, assessment of new arrivals by area of residence and travel time, evidence from similar nearby areas, historical trend analysis, and evidence from distribution points).
  • Minimum evidence level includes at least two outcomes with R0 evidence as detailed in Table 20.
  • Population tables should not be produced. If evidence allows, analysts may be able to provide general working numbers to support response analysis.
  • Time validity of the analysis should be short, and projection updates are not allowed.

Function 3: Communicate for Action

  • Communication should clearly highlight the fact that the area was classified with reduced evidence due to limited or no humanitarian access using the specific mapping protocols.
  • If Famine is being classified, special communication protocols should equally apply.

Function 4: Quality Assurance

  • An External Quality Review needs to be conducted when evidence is reduced due to limited or no humanitarian access and the analysis team did not receive support from the Global Support Unit. See Function 4 under Acute Food Insecurity Protocols for details on External Quality Reviews.